First Look: Emirates Premium Economy Lands In Australia

Although Emirates Premium Economy has been around since December of 2020, the airline has only recently announced availability on flights between Australia and its Dubai hub. As the first and only major Gulf carrier to offer Premium Economy seating, bookings for the new cabin continue to increase in popularity, with many flights now completely sold out.

Since the big reveal, I’ve been keen to experience Emirates Premium Economy for myself. Although it isn’t a private cocoon and flat-bed like Business Class, Premium Economy is certainly a step up. The class is aimed at travellers who want a little extra without a huge cash buy-up, and this is exactly what Emirates offers.

Luxurious cream leather seats feature increased legroom and footrests, with improved dining and additional amenities to win over travellers. While you can’t expect the world from a recliner, there is no doubt that Emirates’ take on Premium Economy is one of the best we have seen to date.

Today, Flight Hacks was in Sydney for the Australian launch of Emirates Premium Economy. After lunch, and a champagne or two, it was time to check out the static display onboard one of the A380 jets that features the new cabin. We also heard from Emirates’ divisional vice-president for Australasia, Barry Brown, who described the launch as a “game changer”, saying he expects travellers to be blown away as they board the new cabin.

Emirates Premium Economy Comes To Australia

This November, Emirates will continue to retrofit Premium Economy to 67 Airbus A380 and 53 Boeing 777 jets. The airline expects a total of 126 aircraft to be fitted with Premium Economy at the conclusion of its programme.

Australia is Emirates’ third-largest destination for A380 operations, with the superjumbo operating twice daily between its Dubai hub and Sydney and Melbourne, plus a single daily flight to Brisbane. As of December, Emirates will reintroduce its A380 to Perth. With this, Australia will become a key hub for Premium Economy, as it is gradually added across the fleet.

The Emirates Premium Economy cabin features on A380 flights between Dubai and Sydney on EK412 and EK413 services. Flight EK412 departs Dubai at 10:15am and arrives in Sydney at 6:00am the following day. Flight EK413 departs Sydney at 9:10pm to reach Dubai at 5:40am the next day.

We Tour Emirates Premium Economy

As with most Emirates seating, Premium Economy offers a signature experience in a class of its own with improved seating, added legroom and quality service. On a four-class A380, the Premium Economy cabin can be found at the front of the main deck with 56 seats in a 2-4-2 configuration. On Boeing 777 aircraft, up to 24 Premium Economy seats will be installed in a dedicated section between Business and Economy.

Here’s what you can expect when travelling with Emirates in Premium Economy:

• A dedicated check-in experience for customers departing Dubai
• Luxurious seating with plush leather and wood panel finishing plus adjustable headrests, calf rests and footrests for additional comfort
• Generous legroom at up to 40 inches pitch, 19.5 inches width 8 inches of recline
• In-seat power at charging points
• Soft blankets made from recycled plastic bottles, plus a generously sized pillow
• Complimentary amenity kits in reusable and sustainable bags
• Improved dining experience served on chinaware and accompanied by stainless steel cutlery wrapped in a linen napkin
• Improved drinks menu that includes a selection of beverages including premium wines and liqueurs
• Unmatched entertainment of up to 5,000 channels of music, movies, TV and news

Flight Hacks photographer Greg Stone captured Emirates’ new Premium Economy Cabin at today’s Sydney media event.

Emirates Premium Economy Food And Beverage

Emirates Premium Economy boasts a premium dining experience served on Royal Doulton tableware, with fine glassware and stainless steel cutlery wrapped in a linen napkin to match. The drinks selection is above average for an “in-between” cabin class, with an upgraded selection of beers, wines, spirits, and soft drinks.

Today, Flight Hacks was able to get a preview of what Emirates will dish up in Premium Economy.

How Can I Book Emirates Premium Economy?

From Sydney to Dubai, Emirates is asking for around $3,200 one-way per person in Premium Economy. For comparison, Economy seats go for around $1,500.

The Emirates/Qantas partnership also allows Qantas Frequent Flyer members to redeem their points for Emirates Premium Economy. You’ll need 93,500 Qantas Points to get from Sydney to Dubai, or 124,800 Qantas Points to continue onto London or Paris.

Summing Up: My Take

Emirates’ Premium Economy cabin looks wonderful and attempts to strike a balance between value and comfort. While it’s essentially an upgrade to Economy, the added space would be noticeable on a 14-hour flight to Dubai. A generously sized pillow, soft recycled blanket and amenity kit is found waiting on each Premium Economy seat. Plus, the cabin is located right at the front of the A380’s lower deck, meaning guests receive priority disembarkation after landing. All up, the new class is a welcome enhancement to Emirates’ worldwide operations.

Finally, Emirates knows the way to my heart with a tour of the Airbus A380’s impressive flight deck, located just in front of Premium Economy in the nose of the superjumbo.